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'Targeted' Explosion Outside High School Principal's Home

Upon arrival, the homeowner, identified by police and neighbors as Bellingham High School Principal Lucas Giguere, told officers that he had heard a loud bang that shook his home. He then noticed extensive damage to his vehicle.

(Published Friday, Nov. 17, 2017)

Police said they are investigating a "targeted" incident where a homemade explosive device resembling a pipe bomb damaged a vehicle parked outside a Massachusetts home belonging to a local high school principal.

Police said officers responded to a home on Lakeshore Drive in Blackstone shortly after 6 p.m. Thursday for a report of possible vandalism to a vehicle.

Upon arrival, the homeowner, identified by police and neighbors as Bellingham High School Principal Lucas Giguere, told officers that he had heard a loud bang that shook his home. He then noticed extensive damage to his vehicle.

A preliminary investigation determined that the vehicle had been damaged by an explosive device that resembled a pipe bomb.

Further investigation by local, state and federal authorities indicated that Giguere was targeted and the incident was not random. Police said the public is not in any danger.

Police say they believe the home of Bellingham High School Principal Lucas Giguere was targeted after an explosion outside of his home.
Photo credit: Bellingham Bulletin

"I want to stress first and foremost that we do not believe that there is any danger to the community and that this does not appear to have been a random act," Blackstone Police Chief Ross Atstupenas said.

He also said Giguere had not received any threats.

No one was injured in the explosion.

Giguere's father, Oliver Giguere couldn't believe what he heard or what he saw.

"There was a big hole in the generator," he added. "Juice was running out and I said, 'Wow, this is crazy.' I couldn’t believe it."

Neighbor Phyllis Calvey, who said her grandkids go to the school, was in disbelief over the incident.

"I can't even imagine with his personality and the love people have for that man," she said. "I just can't imagine anyone who would target that man."

"I can't even imagine with his personality and the love people have for that man," said neighbor Phyllis Calvey. "I just can't imagine anyone who would target that man."

"I know he seems to be a very nice person I wouldn't expect that anyone would do him harm," said neighbor Rosalie Benoit.

The Bellingham School District said there would be additional police presence at the high school on Friday. "The safety of students and staff is our number one priority," the district said in a statement. All classes and activities are proceeding as normal.

"I just hope it doesn’t happen again and everyone can stay safe at the school," said Bellingham High School senior Diane Cabral. "And I hope Mr. Giguere is okay, our principal."

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area is urged to contact the Blackstone Police Department at 508-883-1212 or submit an anonymous tip by calling 508-876-5TIP.

The Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and several other area police departments are assisting in the investigation.